Does Solaire Come Back If He Dies? A Deep Dive into Dark Souls’ Most Beloved Character
The answer to whether Solaire of Astora comes back if he dies in Dark Souls isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. The crucial distinction lies in how he dies. If Solaire dies as a phantom summoned for a boss fight, then yes, he “comes back” in the sense that you can summon him again for other encounters, provided you haven’t progressed his questline to the point where he succumbs to the Sunlight Maggot in Lost Izalith (or saved him from that fate). However, if Solaire dies in his physical form, as an NPC in the game world, then he is permanently dead for that playthrough. This is a pivotal element in understanding Solaire’s presence and impact in the game.
Understanding Solaire’s Presence in Dark Souls
Solaire is arguably the most beloved NPC in the entire Dark Souls franchise. His unwavering optimism, his iconic “Praise the Sun!” gesture, and his relentless pursuit of his own sun have endeared him to countless players. However, his quest is fraught with peril, and his fate is often intertwined with the player’s actions. He embodies the themes of hope and despair that are central to the Dark Souls experience.
He isn’t just a friendly face offering jolly cooperation. Solaire’s storyline is one of the most emotionally resonant aspects of the game. He represents a kindred spirit, an undead warrior seeking purpose in a world of perpetual twilight. Saving him from his descent into madness is not merely a matter of preserving a helpful summon; it’s an act of profound compassion. Understanding the nuances of his questline, including the conditions under which he can die, and crucially, not die, is essential for any player seeking the most fulfilling ending for this iconic character. It’s a great opportunity to use game-based learning to explore complex themes in a safe environment, an area that Games Learning Society explores deeply.
Phantom vs. Physical Death: The Key Difference
The crucial point to remember is the distinction between Solaire as a summonable phantom and Solaire as a physical NPC. When you summon Solaire for a boss fight, you are essentially pulling a temporary copy of him into your world. If this phantom Solaire dies, it has no bearing on the “real” Solaire’s existence elsewhere in the game world.
Think of it like this: summoning Solaire is like creating a temporary echo of him. The death of that echo does not affect the original. Therefore, if Solaire dies during a boss fight while summoned, don’t fret! You can summon him again for other battles, provided you meet the necessary conditions (humanity, availability of his summon sign, etc.).
However, if you encounter Solaire as an NPC in the game world (e.g., near the Undead Parish bonfire, in Anor Londo, or in Lost Izalith) and he dies in this form, then that’s it. He is gone for good for that playthrough. This is why it is so crucial to be careful around him, especially in Lost Izalith, where he can become hostile if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to save him.
Saving Solaire: A Matter of Perspective
The “true” ending for Solaire, the one where he retains his sanity and can be summoned for the final boss fight against Gwyn, is the one most players strive for. Achieving this requires opening a shortcut in Lost Izalith (requiring Chaos Servant covenant level 2) and killing the Sunlight Maggot that would otherwise drive him insane.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solaire’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions about the fate of Solaire of Astora in Dark Souls:
1. Does Solaire have to survive every boss fight to be available for Gwyn?
No. If Solaire dies as a phantom during a boss fight before Lost Izalith, it does not impact his availability for the Gwyn fight, provided you save him from the Sunlight Maggot in Lost Izalith.
2. What happens if I don’t summon Solaire at all?
You can still complete his questline even if you don’t summon him for any boss fights. His questline is primarily tied to your interactions with him as an NPC and your actions in Lost Izalith.
3. How do I save Solaire from going insane?
To save Solaire, you need to open the shortcut in Lost Izalith (requiring Chaos Servant covenant +2) and kill the Sunlight Maggot before encountering Solaire there. This prevents him from being corrupted.
4. Is it worth saving Solaire?
Absolutely! Saving Solaire allows you to summon him for the final boss fight against Gwyn, which can be a significant advantage. More importantly, it provides a more satisfying and hopeful conclusion to his character arc.
5. Can I accidentally kill Solaire?
Yes. It is possible to accidentally kill Solaire if you attack him in his physical form, either intentionally or unintentionally. Be extremely cautious when fighting near him!
6. What happens if I kill Solaire?
If you kill Solaire, he is permanently dead for that playthrough. You will miss out on the opportunity to summon him for boss fights and experience the full conclusion of his questline.
7. Is Solaire the Nameless King?
No, Solaire is not the Nameless King. The Nameless King is a separate character in Dark Souls III, the exiled firstborn of Lord Gwyn.
8. What is the canon ending for Solaire?
While there’s no definitively confirmed canon ending, many believe the “good” ending, where Solaire is saved and assists in the Gwyn fight, is the most likely. It allows Solaire to fulfill his quest for his own sun, albeit in a way he didn’t initially expect.
9. Does Solaire’s armor do anything special?
Solaire’s armor doesn’t have any special stats or effects beyond its defensive properties. However, its iconic design makes it a popular choice for players who want to emulate Solaire’s look.
10. Where can I find Solaire’s summon sign?
Solaire’s summon sign appears before several boss fights, including the Gargoyles, Ornstein & Smough, and Gwyn (if you saved him).
11. Why does Solaire want to find his own sun?
Solaire is seeking a purpose in life. He believes that finding his own sun will give him meaning and fulfillment. This quest is central to his character and motivates his actions throughout the game.
12. Is Solaire a god?
There’s no explicit evidence in the game to suggest that Solaire is a god. He is a skilled and dedicated warrior, but he appears to be a mortal like the player character.
13. Can I trade with Solaire?
No, you cannot trade with Solaire. He is not a merchant NPC.
14. What happens to Solaire after I beat the game?
If Solaire survives and helps you defeat Gwyn, his ultimate fate is left ambiguous. The game implies that he may have found his own “sun” in some form, whether it be through helping you or by linking the fire in his own world.
15. Can Solaire kill Gwyn by himself?
Yes, Solaire can kill Gwyn by himself, though it is rare. If you keep your distance and let Solaire do most of the fighting, he can eventually defeat Gwyn on his own. It requires patience and a bit of luck, but it’s a satisfying sight to behold.
Conclusion: Solaire’s Enduring Legacy
Solaire’s impact on the Dark Souls community is undeniable. His unwavering optimism, his iconic gesture, and his compelling quest have made him one of the most memorable and beloved characters in video game history. While his fate is often uncertain and intertwined with the player’s actions, understanding the nuances of his questline and the distinction between phantom and physical death is crucial for any player seeking to honor his legacy. Whether you summon him for every boss fight or choose to let him forge his own path, Solaire of Astora will forever remain a beacon of hope in the dark world of Dark Souls. Praise the Sun!